Chapter 172 Trial

Their fathers and brothers were framed and exiled to distant and cold lands. These soldiers were gradually marginalized by the court, and some were even forced to resign and return home, scattered across the world.

It was she who used the mine she had accidentally acquired as a foundation to bring them together again.

These people came here with their families and settled down here to train.

Jiang Qingning took a deep breath, and the crisp air from the valley, carrying the smell of rust and earth, rushed into his lungs.

Her clear voice fell into everyone's ears: "Uncles and brothers, Qingning is back."

She was responded with even more deafening cheers.

Jiang Qingning suppressed the surging emotions in his heart and quickly entered the conference room with several core generals.

In the study, candlelight flickered, illuminating the huge map hanging on the wall. Mountains, rivers, passes and cities, and especially the long route leading to the bitter cold land of the northern border, were outlined with a cinnabar pen.

"My dear uncles," Jiang Qingning said straight to the point, his voice calm and powerful, standing in front of the map. "The time has come."

Over the past few months, Jiang Qingning had used the intricate network of powerful relationships in the capital to secretly operate, bribe key figures, plant spies in the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, use the huge output of the mines to accumulate wealth, exchange for sophisticated military equipment and food through secret channels, contact the northern border to instigate local officials, remove obstacles for his father and brother's possible return, and even use the cover of the children of the capital's nobles to quietly transfer some elite forces.

"Miss."

Chen Zhen, the most senior general with white hair and beard, spoke slowly, his voice as steady as a mountain:

"Are food, fodder, and weapons adequately stocked? Is the northern border secure? Can our spies inside and outside the capital ensure the timely transmission of information?"

Jiang Qingning answered the questions in detail with a smile, analyzing them clearly and providing clear data.

What she showed was not only a meticulous plan, but also the strong capital accumulated through three years of hard work and careful planning.

As the veterans listened, the solemnity on their faces was gradually replaced by relief.

After the meeting, the old general Chen Zhen looked at Jiang Qingning, his eyes full of the love and admiration of an elder, stroking his beard and smiling:

"The young lady's ability to plan and strategize is quite similar to that of the old commander in his day."

"Let's go to the training grounds and stretch our muscles. Let those little brats open their eyes and see the true marksmanship of our Jiang family!"

Jiang Qingning's tense mind relaxed for a rare moment. The corners of his lips curled up slightly, and a hint of youthful vigor and sharpness flashed in his eyes:

"That's good. My bones are almost rusty from not moving for so long. It's a good opportunity to see the results of my uncles' training."

When Jiang Qingning changed into a black suit that was convenient for movement and appeared in the training ground with a dark gold spear in his hand, the huge venue had already been surrounded by people.

The sound of waving flags and shouting made the ground tremble slightly.

"Miss! Miss!"

"We will win!"

Jiang Qingning clenched the heavy golden spear in his hand. The cold touch spread from his palm, instantly suppressing all the noise, leaving only the roar of rushing blood.

She calmly glanced at the several generals rubbing their hands in anticipation of the battle and nodded slightly, "Which uncle would like to offer some advice first?"

"I'll do it!"

Zhao Mang was the most impatient, and the first one to lose control, picked up a thick-backed machete and strode into the arena, his voice as loud as a bell, "Miss, I'm sorry!"

Before he could finish his words, he rushed down like a tiger from the mountain, the heavy blade tearing through the air and chopping down on the head with a strong gust of wind.

There is nothing fancy about it, it is simply a deadly move on the battlefield that uses force to defeat cleverness and goes forward without stopping.

Jiang Qingning's pupils shrank slightly, and he pointed his toes. Instead of retreating, he moved forward, sliding sideways along the whistling knife light like a swimming fish.

The golden spear in his hand did not hit hard, but shook, and the tip of the spear turned into an extremely swift cold star, piercing Zhao Mang's ribs which were slightly open due to his force!

"So fast!" someone exclaimed on the sidelines.

Zhao Mang was experienced. Although his sword was powerful, he still had some room for rotation. Seeing this, he shouted loudly and twisted his wrist suddenly. The heavy sword actually drew a strange arc in the air and narrowly blocked the tricky gun tip.

The huge recoil force made both of them step back half a step.

"It's so satisfying!" Zhao Mang's eyes lit up, his fighting spirit grew stronger, and he unleashed his sword, opening and closing it like a violent storm.

The golden spear in Jiang Qingning's hand became more agile.

She no longer confronted him head-on, her figure moving back and forth between the blades, her footwork exquisite, sometimes like a willow swaying in the wind, sometimes like an eagle soaring over the ground.

The golden spear seemed to have life in her hand. The shadow of the spear was heavy, and each strike was precisely at the node where Zhao Mang's sword moves changed. The angle was tricky, but the force was controlled just right, forcing Zhao Mang to return to defense without hurting him at all.

Tens of thousands of pairs of eyes outside the venue watched with bated breath, not daring to make a sound.

Zhao Mang's swordsmanship was undoubtedly powerful and tough, but Jiang Qingning's spearmanship, which seemed light and erratic but actually contained amazing control and insight, was even more dazzling.

More than fifty moves passed in a flash.

Zhao Mang's sword force was gradually slowed down, sweat appeared on his forehead, and his breathing became heavy.

Jiang Qingning shouted, and took advantage of the moment when Zhao Mang was taking a breath. The golden spear suddenly accelerated, and the tip of the spear hit Zhao Mang's wrist holding the knife with incredible precision.

A surge of force penetrated Zhao Mang, and he felt his wrist go numb. The heavy machete almost slipped out of his hand.

He stumbled back a step, looking at the red mark on his wrist, he was surprised and admired, then laughed out loud, clasped his fists and said:

"Young lady's spear skills are amazing, Old Zhao is impressed! Even the old commander would have to praise her skills, saying she's even better than me!"

There was an earth-shaking burst of cheers and applause from outside the stadium.

"Mrs. is mighty!"

"Great marksmanship!"

Jiang Qingning put away his gun and stood up. His breathing was only slightly hurried, and there was no arrogance on his face. He nodded slightly to Zhao Mang and said, "Uncle Zhao, I will give you this favor."

The setting sun melted into gold, dyeing the entire valley a magnificent blood-red.

The last challenger was finally forced to drop his sword and admit defeat under the force of Jiang Qingning's spear.

On the dark figure standing with a gun.

Sweat soaked the loose hair on her forehead, sticking to her smooth forehead. Her tight clothes outlined her tall and slightly thin figure, but at this moment no one would doubt the power contained in this body.

Jiang Qingning looked around the audience, his eyes calm and deep, with a composure that transcended his age.

She slowly raised the golden spear in her hand, pointed the tip of the spear at the sky burned red by the sunset, and said loudly: "Everyone!" The voice was clear and distinct, and it spread throughout the valley.

"My Jiang family spears are not meant for violence. In the past, they protected the common people behind us and defended our country and territory. Today, I, Jiang Qingning, swear an oath here!"

Her eyes swept across the excited faces, and each word she spoke was sonorous and powerful, like the clanging of metal, striking everyone's heart:

"Wherever this spear points, I will redress the injustices inflicted on my fathers and brothers. Wherever this spear points, I will protect my comrades and their families. Wherever this spear goes, I will not let down the passionate sincerity of those who followed me today!"

"No matter if the road ahead is full of thorns or a sea of ​​fire, Qingning will live and die with you all, and share honor and disgrace with you all!"

There was a brief moment of dead silence.

Then, cheers rang out:

"I am willing to follow the young lady! Live and die together! Share honor and disgrace!"

"We live and die together! We share honor and disgrace!"

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on Jiang Qingning's straight back, outlining a dazzling golden edge on the dark figure.

She clenched the cold golden spear in her hand, and an unprecedented sense of responsibility filled her limbs.

The wheels rolled over the official road, and the majestic outline of the capital city appeared in the gradually darkening night. The lights came on, and the carriages and horses drove into the city gate.

The carriage stopped steadily in front of the mansion gate.

Jiang Qingning lifted the car curtain, and just as she was about to bend down to get out of the car, a sudden figure came into her sight.

Xun Chen and others were waiting at the stone steps in front of Ning Pavilion. His moon-white brocade robe seemed a little dazzling under the dim light of the lanterns at the gate, making his face look even more gentle like jade, but hidden under that gentleness was a barely perceptible anxiety.

When he saw the carriage stop, he immediately stepped forward, stretched out his bony hand, and said softly, "You're back. Be careful. I'll help you."

Jiang Qingning's movement stopped in mid-air.

She was too lazy to even look at Xun Chen's hypocritical face. She ignored the hand stretched out in front of her, twisted her waist, and her black skirt drew a neat arc in the air and landed lightly on the bluestone floor.

His movements were crisp and clear, with the agility unique to martial artists, and he avoided Xun Chen's outstretched hand steadily.

The smile on Xun Chen's face froze instantly, and his outstretched hand stopped awkwardly in mid-air, with his fingertips slightly curled up.